Fiberglass Pool Installation
Fiberglass pool installation is the fastest, most reliable way to bring a luxury backyard oasis to life. At Rainforest Pools, our American-made fiberglass pool shells are engineered for strength, beauty, and efficiency, allowing homeowners to enjoy a smooth, streamlined installation process from excavation to water-ready in just a matter of days. Unlike concrete or vinyl liner builds that can take months, fiberglass pools arrive pre-molded and ready to set, minimizing disruption to your yard and ensuring consistent quality. Our expert dealer network handles everything from permits and site prep to plumbing, decking, and final finishes, so you can start enjoying your new pool sooner with confidence in long-term durability and warranty protection.
Fiberglass Pool Installation
From excavation to first swim, Rainforest Pools makes the process stress-free with American-made quality and expert installers.
Understanding the Fiberglass Pool Installation Process
Choosing a fiberglass pool is an exciting investment, but it’s just as important to understand how the installation works. At Rainforest Pools, we believe informed homeowners make the best decisions. This page walks you through each stage of the installation process so you’ll know exactly what to expect — from the first excavation to the moment your pool is filled and ready to enjoy.
Why Homeowners Want to Learn About Installation
Fiberglass pools are manufactured as a one-piece shell, which makes the installation very different from building a concrete or vinyl pool. By knowing what’s involved, you can better plan for your timeline, your backyard space, and your budget. Understanding the process also helps homeowners see the long-term benefits of fiberglass: faster setup, less disruption to your property, and a pool shell designed to last for decades.
Clear expectations for every stage of the build
Knowledge of how fiberglass compares to other pool types
Confidence that your installer is following best practices
The Rainforest Pools Standard
Every fiberglass pool we manufacture in Orlando is installed using a proven, step-by-step process followed by our trained dealer network. This ensures consistency, durability, and peace of mind for every homeowner we serve across the Southeast. With our team, you’ll not only see how a fiberglass pool is installed but also why it remains one of the most efficient and reliable pool construction methods available today.
Step-by-Step Fiberglass Pool Installation
Plans & Permits: The most important part of a major home improvement project is PLANNING. Start by checking with your local building department to determine what your setback requirements are and if there are any easements on your property. If you live in a community that has an HOA, you will also need their permission to install a pool. Typically, they require an application (and fee) and drawing of what you plan to do. Your professional pool builder will be able to assist with this phase.
Layout: Now that you know you can put in a new fiberglass pool, it is time to lay it out. If you haven’t committed to a project yet and are still researching, a good planning tool is a Big Blue Tarp (BBT). You can pick one up at a local home improvement store and fold it to the size you are considering for your new pool. Place it in your backyard and watch how the sun goes over the BBT. Is there a good flow from your house to the pool area? Typically, two sides of your pool (one long, one short) will get the most usage and therefore should have the most decking. As you consider all these factors, move the BBT around and “live” with it for a while. Reach out to local pool contractors for their expertise. They are the professionalss and can guide you through the process
Excavation: Congratulations! You’ve found your contractor, ordered your pool, received permits and permission and it’s time to move some dirt! This is a very messy process, but we promise the short term (pain) will be quickly forgotten when your new pool is done. Fiberglass pools are typically dug with an excavator with a skid-steer/bobcat on site to move dirt around. Your pool should be dug in a day and ready for preparation of the base. Remember to consider how your pool and heavy equipment is going to get in the backyard. Everything is possible, but there may be extra costs if access is limited.
Preparing the base. The most important part of the entire process is getting the hole properly prepared to receive your new pool. The hole should not be excessively over dug, typically, 1′ more than that size of your pool. It should be dry and free from organic material. Depending on your soil conditions, your contractor will determine the best material (NOT DIRT) to use for the base and backfill.
Delivery / Pool Set: You may want to keep the kiddos home from school the day your pool is getting delivered. Your pool will arrive (typically) on a flatbed truck. A crane, telehandler or other piece of equipment will pick the pool from the truck and place it into the prepared hole. It may take a few picks to ensure your pool is level (within 1″ is acceptable tolerance) and sitting snugly in the ground.
Backfill (partial): With the pool set in the ground, backfilling with now commence with water going into the vessel at the same rate material is going around it. IT IS IMPORTANT that backfill on the outside occur at the same rate as water on the inside (no more than 1′ difference).
Utility Connections. At this point, it is time for the electrician and gas plumber (if using) to come in and do their work. This portion of the project can be delayed with sub-contractor’s schedules and inspections. Every municipality has different requirements and getting this very important portion of the project done can take some time.
Plumbing: Backfilling and water will pause while the plumbing is connected to your pool equipment. The skimmer, typically at the deep end, main drains (if used) and returns are connected to the equipment pad. LED lighting fixtures, plumbing for water features are also installed at this time. All the pipe and conduit runs back to the equipment pad where your pump, filter, sanitizing system and heater (if using) are located
Backfill (finish), Beam/Collar prep, Bonding/Concrete pour: Almost done! With some inspections done, the remaining backfill can be done and the pool filled to the top. Your contractor will install steel rebar and bend it back to affix to the wire mesh bonding grid. He will then set up forms around the perimeter of the pool to pour the concrete. The concrete is the last item required to validate your warranty.
Coping, Deck and Finishing Touches: Only limited by your imagination and budget, your outdoor oasis can be customized with a myriad of coping and decking materials.
Our new oasis is ready to expereince the Florida Lifestyle everyone craves.
As a custom home builder in the Southeast, quality and reliability are everything to me — and that’s exactly what Rainforest Pools delivers. I’ve been installing their fiberglass pools for over three years now, and they’ve quickly become my go-to partner for every residential project we take on.
Their craftsmanship is second to none — the shells are incredibly well-made, and the finish work consistently impresses my clients. Just as important, their team is responsive, knowledgeable, and truly stands behind their product. Installation is smooth every time, which saves us time and money on the job site.
Working with Rainforest Pools has added value to my pool business and helped us build a reputation for excellence. Their pools are top notch! I can confidently recommend them to any builder looking for a dependable, top-tier fiberglass pool manufacturer."
I am living in my dream home with my dream pool. My Rainforest pool, the Colombian Beach is where I spend all my time. Whether it's lunch with my girlfriends or just me and husband having a cocktail in the afternoon, there's no place I would rather be
We used to install a mix of different pool brands, but we were constantly dealing with inconsistent quality and delayed shipments. Since switching to Rainforest, our installs have become faster and smoother — and our clients couldn’t be happier with the final result. The pools arrive on time, every time, and the shells are strong and perfectly finished.
As a custom home builder in the Southeast, quality and reliability are everything to me — and that’s exactly what Rainforest Pools delivers. I’ve been installing their fiberglass pools for over three years now, and they’ve quickly become my go-to partner for every residential project we take on.
Their craftsmanship is second to none — the shells are incredibly well-made, and the finish work consistently impresses my clients. Just as important, their team is responsive, knowledgeable, and truly stands behind their product. Installation is smooth every time, which saves us time and money on the job site.
Working with Rainforest Pools has added value to my pool business and helped us build a reputation for excellence. Their pools are top notch! I can confidently recommend them to any builder looking for a dependable, top-tier fiberglass pool manufacturer."
I am living in my dream home with my dream pool. My Rainforest pool, the Colombian Beach is where I spend all my time. Whether it's lunch with my girlfriends or just me and husband having a cocktail in the afternoon, there's no place I would rather be
We used to install a mix of different pool brands, but we were constantly dealing with inconsistent quality and delayed shipments. Since switching to Rainforest, our installs have become faster and smoother — and our clients couldn’t be happier with the final result. The pools arrive on time, every time, and the shells are strong and perfectly finished.
Ready to Dive Into a Fiberglass Pool?
If you’re dreaming of a low-maintenance luxury pool that fits your backyard and your budget, a Rainforest Pools fiberglass pool is the perfect solution.
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Resources & Useful Links
Complete walkthrough from planning to finishing touches
Cost breakdowns and financial planning
Comparison of materials: installation, maintenance, durability
Explores ways to personalize your pool—integrated features, finishes, decking styles, and how each choice impacts look and function.
Covers key advantages like smooth, non-porous surfaces, durability, and long-term low maintenance.
Insights on how fiberglass pools withstand elements over time and what makes them a lasting backyard investment.
Highlights reasons to go with fiberglass—rapid installation, comfort, cost-efficiency, and homeowner satisfaction.
Practical troubleshooting for common issues and how to address them
Explores 2025’s hot trend of natural, health-focused pool designs that blend eco-consciousness with relaxation.
Simple FAQ-style resource that breaks down expected lifespan and how maintenance impacts longevity.
In-depth comparisons between Rainforest models and alternatives—ideal for narrowing down choices.
Top arguments in favor of fiberglass over concrete pools